Pitru Paksha 2026 runs from September 27 to October 10 — the 16-day fortnight dedicated to honouring one's ancestors (pitru), beginning after Bhadrapada Purnima (September 26, when Purnima Shraddha is performed) and ending on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Saturday, October 10, 2026. Sharad Navratri begins the very next day, October 11.
What Pitru Paksha Is
Tradition holds that during this fortnight the ancestors draw near, and the living repay the pitru-rin — the debt to those who gave us life — through shraddha (remembrance rites), tarpan (water offerings) and daan (charity). The shraddha for a departed family member is performed on the tithi of their passing within this fortnight; Sarva Pitru Amavasya covers all ancestors, known and unknown.
Key Dates 2026
- Purnima Shraddha: September 26, 2026
- Pratipada Shraddha onwards: September 27 to October 9 — each tithi in sequence
- Sarva Pitru Amavasya: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Navratri Ghatasthapana: Sunday, October 11, 2026
What Devotees Do
- Tarpan: water offered with black til, facing south, remembering the ancestors by name
- Shraddha and pind daan on the matching tithi, ideally guided by a family purohit
- Feeding: brahmins, and the symbolic five — cow, crow, dog, ant and guest
- Daan: food, clothes or useful items given in the ancestors' name
Do's and Don'ts
Observed by most families: satvik food at home, no celebrations, engagements or housewarmings, and new ventures or major purchases deferred to after the fortnight. Encouraged: remembrance, charity, humility and service to elders.
Can You Buy Things During Pitru Paksha? The Honest Answer
Most traditions defer auspicious-beginning purchases — a new home, vehicle or gold for celebration — until after Amavasya. Items of dharmic purpose are widely treated differently: puja samagri, and spiritual wear such as rudraksha, are considered acceptable by many lineages because they serve remembrance and sadhana, not celebration. Traditions vary — when in doubt, follow your family elders. If you are planning a rudraksha for the Navratri that follows, you can shortlist from the Rudraksha collection and use the mukhi chart to choose.
FAQ
When does Pitru Paksha end in 2026? Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on Saturday, October 10, 2026; Navratri begins October 11.
Is being born in Pitru Paksha inauspicious? No — this is a common misconception; the fortnight governs rites for the departed, not the destiny of the born.
Who performs shraddha if there is no son? Traditions differ, and many lineages hold that daughters, grandsons or other family members may perform it — what matters is that it is done with shraddha (faith).
Dates follow the Purnimanta calendar and published panchang data; tithi timings vary by city — confirm on a trusted panchang.
